Personal Horoscopes 2013

By Dan Liebman

Find out what 2013 holds in store for you. Packed with insightful information to make 2013 a meaningful year, Personal Horoscopes includes:

• Week-by-week forecasts for every sign, covering love and relationships, family and friends, finance, health, career and travel
• At-a-glance monthly charts highlighting the best and worst days for romance, friendship, career, health and more
• Zodiac signs; their qualities (cardinal, fixed and mutable signs) and how to interpret them; their elements (fire, air, water, earth) and what they represent; and their planets and houses
• Personality profiles of famous Canadian and international figures born in every sign—and on every day of the year
• Compatibility guides for every combination of signs, detailing your best relationship matches — and those that may challenge you

Featuring a special section on Chinese Horoscopes including how the Year of the Snake will play out, Personal Horoscopes 2013 is the complete, authoritative and Canadian guide to the year ahead.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Release date: Oct 16, 2012
• ISBN: 9781443416924

Dan Liebman

DAN LIEBMAN has always enjoyed working—and playing—with words. A good thing, since he is the author of twenty children's booksand the editor of dictionaries and other reference books for both kids and adults. Dan lives in Toronto.

Book preview

PART ONE

SNAPSHOTS OF YOUR ZODIAC SIGN

ARIES

March 21–April 20

The Ram

First sign in the zodiac Strengths to play up: leadership, courage, affection Weaknesses to watch out for: possessiveness, impatience, and excessive behaviour

Behind the name and the symbol of your sign:

Your astrological symbol is the ram—known for being hard-driving, powerful, and aggressive. In Greek mythology, the constellation of Aries is associated with the flying ram, whose skin came to be known as the Golden Fleece. Rams butt their heads—and those born under the sign of Aries are said to take life head on. A ram’s horn is part of the cornucopia—the horn of plenty—which represents abundance.

Your element:

The four elements in astrology are air, earth, fire, and water. Your element is fire. Fire signs are upbeat, generous, and fired with enthusiasm. They’re more aggressive than assertive, but they don’t have hidden motives. What you see is what you get.

Your quality:

Three qualities are found in the zodiac: cardinal, fixed, and mutable. You’re a cardinal sign, which means you have initiative and take immediate action when required, according to your preferred style.

Your ruling planet and what it means:

Mars, your ruling planet, is named for the god of war. Mars is the action planet, connected to initiative, aggression, conflict, competitiveness, and drive.

Personality traits identified with Aries:

Aries is the first sign of the zodiac. You’re sure to be number one out of the starting gate—and the first to complete whatever you do. Here are some of the words that describe you. (They’re not broken down by positive traits and negative traits because some can fall in either category.)

Acquisitive

Adventure-seeking

Affectionate

Authoritarian

Decisive

Disappointed in people (because they lack your standards) Driven

Emotionally vulnerable (you fall in love at first sight)

Energetic (your energy level is extremely high)

Excessive

Forthright

Fun (you add life to any party)

Generous

Gullible (as a result of your idealism)

Idealistic

Impulsive

Loving (you’re deeply committed in love)

Not detail-oriented (you see the forest rather than the trees)

Obstinate

Overachieving

Overdoing

Pioneering (you’re the first to take a chance)

Possessive

Quick-witted

Self-centred

Single-minded

Spontaneous

Take-charge (leadership is your operative word)

What you see is what you get (you don’t hide your intentions or your motives)

Relationships and compatibilities:

You’re the most compatible with: Sagittarius, Gemini, and Aquarius.

You’re the least compatible with: Virgo, Pisces, Capricorn, and Cancer.

See also the Aries Compatibility Guide on page 99.

Associations with your sign:

Numbers: 6, 7, 9

Colours: Red (carmine, scarlet, and other shades)

Flowers: Wild rose, thistle

Gemstones: Bloodstone, amethyst

Day of the week: Tuesday

Health and well-being for your sign:

You could be susceptible in the area of the body that relates to your sign. Aries rules the head (including the brain, the face, and the eyes). You could be prone to headaches. Take time to refresh yourself (you tend to overwork your mind), and make sure you get sufficient sleep. You’re generally vigorous and have lots of stamina. But you need to realize you’re vulnerable—not always easy for impatient types like you.

Careers suited to your sign:

Regardless of your career choice, you want to make your mark in it. Your ruling planet, Mars, is associated with action and determination—and you focus your energy on your work. You need a job that keeps you busy and lets you take charge—leadership is what drives you. But you also need to develop qualities that are not strong in your sign.

Aim to expand your attention span and to see things through rather than changing direction once you lose interest. Many Aries people work well with their hands, becoming architects, sculptors, or painters. Others are entrepreneurs. A surprising number of singers are born under this sign, among them Elton John, Jann Arden, Céline Dion, and Susan Boyle. See also Who Was Born in Your Sign and on Your Birthday? (page 82).

TAURUS

April 21–May 21

The Bull

Second sign in the zodiac Strengths to play up: loyalty, determination, compassion Weaknesses to watch out for: self-indulgence, stubbornness

Behind the name and the symbol of your sign:

In Greek mythology, the constellation Taurus is associated with Zeus, the father of the gods who transformed himself into a white bull so he could approach a beautiful Phoenician princess. The bull symbolizes tenacity and strength. Like the bull, people born under its sign will graze peacefully in a pasture. But if it’s disturbed, watch out. It will charge!

Your element:

The four elements in astrology are air, earth, fire, and water. Your element is earth. Your feet are planted firmly on the ground, and you’re practical, dependable, and unpretentious. You do what’s needed to keep your reputation untarnished. You’re goal-oriented—and that goal generally involves financial security.

Your quality:

Three qualities are found in the zodiac: cardinal, fixed, and mutable. You’re a fixed sign. That means you don’t try to change things. It’s open to interpretation, but you’re seen as patient, determined, or stubborn.

Your ruling planet and what it means:

Venus, the goddess of love, art, and beauty, gives her name to your ruling planet. Venus is associated with peacefulness and harmony, money and luxuries, shared pleasure, and tranquility.

Personality traits identified with Taurus:

Taurus has a reputation for being stubborn and bull-headed—but that’s hardly fair. There’s far more to Taurus’s personality. And remember, one person’s stubbornness is another’s determination. Here are some of the words that describe you. (They’re not broken down by positive traits and negative traits because some can fall in either category.)

Cautious (you don’t take risks, and you weigh decisions carefully)

Celebrity-seeking (you like high-end types)

Complacent

Conservative (you resist change)

Conventional (some may think you’re boring)

Dependable, determined, dogged

Entertaining (you’re lively and fun and you love to entertain—you’re a gourmet cook and throw great dinner parties)

Grounded (roots are important)

Hard-working

Loyal (unwaveringly so)

Materialistic

Methodical

Modest (you often live and dress below your means)

Money smart (you’re the main money sign; you’re cautious with cash [low-risk investments])

Multi-talented (you do many things well)

Nature-loving (a born gardener)

Nurturing (you’re especially good with kids and pets)

Opinionated

Patient

Peace-loving

Persevering and strong (but can become bull-headed)

Placid

Possessive

Powerful (but your pace can be plodding)

Quick-tempered (you’re like the bull who grazes peacefully … until enraged)

Scrupulous (you have high standards and strong convictions)

Security-seeking (you want stability and like to be in a permanent relationship)

Self-indulgent (you find it hard to diet)

Sensual

Stingy (you’re not always the best tipper)

Tactile (you love to touch things, you love fragrances too—everything from roses to coffee)

Tenacious

Tender

Trustworthy

Well-groomed (you’re concerned with appearance—yours and everyone else’s)

Relationships and compatibilities:

You’re the most compatible with: Scorpio, Pisces, and Cancer.

You’re the least compatible with: Sagittarius, Virgo, Libra, and Aquarius.

See also the Taurus Compatibility Guide on page 108.

Associations with your sign:

Numbers: 1, 6, 9

Colours: Red, dark green, yellow

Flowers: Violet, freesia, lilac

Gemstones: Sapphire, emerald

Day of the week: Friday

Health and well-being for your sign:

You could be susceptible in the area of the body that relates to your sign. Taurus rules the neck, throat, thyroid gland, and vocal chords, so be cautious about those areas. You may be prone to laryngitis. Be sure to wear a scarf under your parka on cold winter days. You can be docile—you’re something of a couch potato—and should become more active. And watch out for your tendency to enjoy too many of life’s good things (especially the high-caloric ones).

Careers suited to your sign:

Taurus is the main money sign of the zodiac. You want to accumulate possessions and maintain your wealth—you need to have money in the bank. If you had to choose between a prestigious position and a hefty salary, you’d choose the latter. You find it difficult to delegate authority. You have a tendency to start a new job and think you’re smarter than your boss.

You may be drawn to a finance-related position. Being Venus-ruled, you show an artistic side and find yourself working in the arts. Your nurturing personality makes you suited to a career in social work. And because you are earthy, you’re interested in earth-related work and may be suited to a job in architecture, gardening, or real estate. In Canada, earth would include ice—and there are quite a few prominent Taurus figure skaters, among them Jamie Salé, Tessa Virtue, and Barbara Ann Scott. See also Who Was Born in Your Sign and on Your Birthday? (page 82).

GEMINI

May 22–June 21

The Twins

Third sign in the zodiac Strengths to play up: charm, ability to communicate, versatility Weaknesses to watch out for: short attention span, unwillingness to commit yourself

Behind the name and the symbol of your sign:

The constellation Gemini includes the stars Castor and Pollux—the twins of Greek mythology who sailed with Jason in the quest for the Golden Fleece. (Gemini is Latin for twins.) Like the twins, those born under this sign are said to have a dual nature. The symbol for Gemini shows two lines joined together. The constellation, as well as those born under the sign, is associated with communication and the exchange of ideas.

Your element:

The four elements in astrology are air, earth, fire, and water. Your element is air. You circulate easily, exchanging ideas and mingling with people of all ages and backgrounds. You’re all about mental stimulation, not emotional involvement. You form relationships but enjoy simultaneous light-hearted friendships. Intensity is not in your vocabulary.

Your quality:

Three qualities are found in the zodiac: cardinal, fixed, and mutable. You’re a mutable sign. That means adaptability is your middle name. You’re flexible and willing to change your approach when necessary.

Your ruling planet and what it means:

Mercury, your ruling planet, is named for the messenger of the gods. Mercury is associated with communication, the thought process, observation, curiosity, and flexibility.

Personality traits identified with Gemini:

Gemini, the twins, has a dual nature. Those born under this sign are associated with communication and the exchange of ideas. You’re flexible and adaptable, and you circulate so very quickly as you work a room that people may think you have two personalities—or that there are two of you. Here are some of the words that describe you. (They’re not broken down by positive traits and negative traits because some can fall in either category.)

Adaptable and flexible

Amusing (you can cheer up even the most downbeat types)

Analytical

Articulate (you love to engage in debates and wordplay; are you ever at a loss for words?)

Chameleonlike (you’re the most versatile of all the signs)

Communicator (you’re by far the zodiac’s top exchanger of information)

Curious

Cynical

Edgy

Expressive (you always come up with the perfect word or phrase)

Fickle

Fidgety

Gracious (you’re not domestic but are an excellent host)

Hammy (you’re a born actor)

Impatient (with a short attention span)

Indecisive

Intellectual (you’re ruled by your mind, not your emotions)

Investigative

Lively (you live life fully)

Logical

Multi-faceted

Multi-talented (you have diverse interests)

Noncommittal

Perceptive

Quick to anger (you can change moods at the blink of an eye, but you generally return to your cheery self quickly)

Resilient (you bounce back quickly)

Resourceful (you’re a storehouse of knowledge and can pull bits of information out of your hat)

Spontaneous

Superficial (you skim the surface of things rather than probe deeply)

Volatile, changeable

Witty

Relationships and compatibilities:

You’re the most compatible with: Leo, Aries, Libra, and Sagittarius.

You’re the least compatible with: Scorpio, Pisces, and Virgo.

See also the Gemini Compatibility Guide on page 118.

Associations with your sign:

Numbers: 3, 4, 5

Colours: Yellow, light blue

Flowers: Rose, daffodil, snapdragon

Gemstones: Agate, aquamarine

Day of the week: Wednesday

Health and well-being for your sign:

You could be susceptible in the area of the body that relates to your sign. Gemini rules the arms (including the fingers and hands), shoulders, nervous system, and respiratory system, so be cautious in all those areas. (For example, watch your hand when you close the car door.) Yoga is something that could benefit both your nerves and your breathing. Mainly, slow down—you tend to do several things at once, and all of them too quickly.

Careers suited to your sign:

Gemini is all about communication, and your sign leans toward professions that involve the use of words. There are many to choose from—broadcasting, journalism, teaching, and real estate are a few possibilities. (Mercury, your ruling planet, governs education and transportation, as well as communication.) Sales suit you, too, given your charming nature. And because of your dual nature, it wouldn’t be surprising to take on twin careers.

Any job that allows little variety would frustrate you. In short, there is an exciting range of possibilities, but the key is to find something that lets you exchange ideas. Among the many members of your sign who express themselves through words are actors Mike Myers, Michael J. Fox, and Michael Cera; poet William Butler Yeats; singer/songwriters Alanis Morissette and Bob Dylan; and authors Joyce Carol Oates, Robert Munsch, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. See also Who Was Born in Your Sign and on Your Birthday? (page 82).

CANCER

June 22–July 22

The Crab

Fourth sign in the zodiac Strengths to play up: imagination, loyalty, intuition Weaknesses to watch out for: possessiveness, moodiness

Behind the name and the symbol of your sign:

According to Greek mythology, the goddess Hera (Zeus’s wife) placed the image of a crab in the night sky. In Greek mythology, Hercules crushed the crab that Hera sent to distract him in his battle with the monster Hydra. The crab, like those ruled by its sign, has a tough and protective shell. Within their shell, Cancer people are emotional, intuitive, secretive, and moody.

Your element:

The four elements in astrology are air, earth, fire, and water. Your element is water. You probe life’s deeper mysteries and operate on an emotional rather than intellectual level. Secretive and intuitive, you look for hidden meanings beneath the surface of things. You are persistent, and your personality often has a jealous side.

Your quality:

Three qualities are found in the zodiac: cardinal, fixed, and mutable. You’re a cardinal sign. That means you have initiative and take immediate action when required, according to your preferred style.

Your ruling planet and what it means:

The Moon, second to the Sun in importance, rules Cancer. The Moon is associated with the home and the family, nurturing, intuition, motivation, and the subconscious.

Personality traits identified with Cancer:

Cancer is the sign of home and feelings. You have an urge to nurture and a need to protect, and you never let go of your ties to the past. Here are some of the words that describe you. (They’re not broken down by positive traits and negative traits because some can fall in either category.)

Committed (you need permanence and are not flirtatious)

Defensive (just like the crab is)

Dependent

Family-loving (you’re your family nurturer and caregiver)

Grouchy (when Cancer gets grumpy, the world should back off)

Hesitant (you reveal your feelings gradually)

Home-loving (your home is the focus of your life)

Imaginative

Inhibited (you’re reserved and don’t communicate freely)

Insightful

Intuitive (you may even have psychic abilities)

Melancholy (you can become remote and even jealous)

Moody and sulky (though you try to conceal your touchiness)

Nostalgic (you’re very much tied to the past)

Not confident (it’s easy for you to develop an inferiority complex)

Peace-loving (you mediate to achieve compromise)

Perceptive

Possessive (and even clingy—it’s hard for you to say goodbye easily)

Protective (you’re not a risk-taker)

Resourceful

Rooted (you’re the one who’ll research the family tree)

Sarcastic (your way of expressing your displeasure)

Sensitive

Shrewd

Stable (you tend to stay at one place and in one job—and improve your position there)

Successful (you enjoy earning money—not for its own sake but to provide for your family)

Sympathetic

Relationships and compatibilities:

You’re the most compatible with: Pisces, Taurus, Libra, and Capricorn.

You’re the least compatible with: Aries, Virgo, and Leo.

See also the Cancer Compatibility Guide on page 129.

Associations with your sign:

Numbers: 2, 3, 7, 8

Colours: Silver, grey, indigo

Flowers: Chrysanthemum, hydrangea

Gemstones: Moonstone, pearl

Day of the week: Monday

Health and well-being for your sign:

You could be susceptible in the area of the body that relates to your sign. Cancer rules the stomach, breasts, chest, and lungs, so be cautious about those vulnerable areas and be sure to get regular checkups. Like the crab, you have a tough outer shell. But within that exterior, you’re tender, sensitive, and temperamental. Engage in activities that can distract or de-stress you—anything from a game of curling to dog-walking. As well, avoid high-fat foods.

Careers suited to your sign:

Although your sign is attached to home and family, and many people born under the sign of Cancer work successfully from home, you have a need to be seen and recognized by the broader public. A service-oriented job suits your personality—the field of medicine is particularly appropriate. So does work that involves the family—you would be a natural as a genealogist, historian, or biographer. Being a collector, you could find yourself working in a library or, especially, a museum. Many successful artists (Rembrandt and Degas, to name two)—and, especially, designers—are born under the sign of the crab.

You can, in fact, apply your understanding of human nature to an assortment of careers. Not surprisingly, two prominent authors whose stories often focus on the family—Margaret Laurence and Alice Munro—share your sign. See also Who Was Born in Your Sign and on Your Birthday? (page 82).

LEO

July 23–August 22

The Lion

Fifth sign in the zodiac Strengths to play up: loyalty, ambition, idealism Weaknesses to watch out for: self-centred, scene-stealing

Behind the name and the symbol of your sign:

The first on the list of Hercules’ twelve labours was the task of killing the Nemean Lion—a giant beast that roamed the villages of ancient Greece. Hercules wrestled the lion, which found its way to the night sky to commemorate the great battle. (Leonis is Latin for lion.) Like the lion, Leos are flamboyant, regal, and powerful—and inclined to think they’re the centre of the universe.

Your element:

The four elements in astrology are air, earth, fire, and water. Your element is fire. Fire signs are upbeat, generous, and fired with enthusiasm. They’re more aggressive than assertive, but they don’t have hidden motives. What you see is what you get.

Your quality:

Three qualities are found in the zodiac: cardinal, fixed, and mutable. You’re a fixed sign. That means you don’t try to change things. It’s open to interpretation, but you’re seen as patient, determined, or stubborn.

Your ruling planet and what it means:

The Sun, which rules your sign, is connected to self-confidence, the quest for goals, health, vigour, dignity, and one’s ego. (Leos know the world revolves around the Sun but think it revolves around them.)

Personality traits identified with Leo:

Leo epitomizes self-confidence and theatricality. You want to put your stamp on everything, and you haven’t yet met a stage that you don’t like. Dominant and regal are two adjectives that are often attached to the name of your sign. Here are some of the other words that describe you. (They’re not broken down by positive traits and negative traits because some can fall in either category.)

Ambitious

Arrogant

Attention-seeking

Bossy

Broad-minded (you’re open to suggestions and are willing to try something new)

Charismatic (you cultivate a following of fans)

Charming

Dramatic (even when not performing for an audience you’re showing off)

Egotistical

Fair (you appreciate a good challenge)

Fiery

Fun-loving

Good-hearted (your intentions are always the best)

Gracious (you’re appreciative of others)

Honourable

Hot-tempered

Idealistic

Inflexible (you don’t like to concede a point in discussions or debates)

Kind (kindness is your best quality)

Loyal and devoted (your friends are for a lifetime)

Majestic and dignified

Noble (you’re a natural leader)

Orderly (you’re a strong organizer)

Overbearing

Passionate

Protective

Proud

Romantic (yes, you are a true and hopeless romantic)

Self-centred (you’re so involved with your own appearance, you often don’t notice others; yet you aren’t selfish)

Self-confident

Self-sufficient

Straightforward (your attitude is what you see is what you get; you don’t understand deception)

Strutting (you were born to show off)

Stylish (you have panache, do everything with flair, and, of course, love bold colours)

Theatrical (you have star quality, the world is your stage, and you command applause)

Tyrannical

Vain

Vivacious

Warm-hearted

Relationships and compatibilities:

You’re the most compatible with: Gemini, Libra, and Capricorn.

You’re the least compatible with: Scorpio, Pisces, and Cancer.

See also the Leo Compatibility Guide on page 140.

Associations with your sign:

Numbers: 1, 4, 5, 9

Colours: Golden yellow, orange

Flowers: Marigold, sunflower

Gemstones: Onyx, amber

Day of the week: Sunday

Health and well-being for your sign:

You could be susceptible in the area of the body that relates to your sign. Leo rules the heart, chest, back, and spine, so be cautious about and attentive to those areas. You have a bottomless pit of energy and sometimes ignore your own needs, notably a good night’s sleep (Leo needs lots of sleep) and a balanced diet. (You’re inclined to eat rich foods). You need to take things less personally, and you need time to recharge your batteries.

Careers suited to your sign:

Named for the lion and ruled by the Sun, your sign seeks status and wealth and enjoys being in the public eye. Whatever position you choose, you need room to grow and thrive in a position of authority. You have a strong ego but aren’t selfish, and though demanding, you’re a generous boss.

You love an audience, so a career in the theatre would suit you from an early age. (Actor Daniel Radcliffe is a Leo.) A career in law is also appropriate. But your creative talents shine too. You lean toward being a writer or an artist—and definitely not a starving one. (Author J. K. Rowling is on the list of the world’s wealthiest people.) Other Leo artists include Tom Thomson. Finally, you can also make your mark in the world of sports. Hockey alone boasts several great Leos, among them Marcel Dionne, Maurice Richard, and Sidney Crosby. See also Who Was Born in Your Sign and on Your Birthday? (page 82).

VIRGO

August 23–September 23

The Virgin

Sixth sign in the zodiac Strengths to play up: teaching skills, creativity, eye for detail Weaknesses to watch out for: preachiness, obsession with detail

Behind the name and the symbol of your sign:

Virgo (from the Latin word meaning a maiden) has been attributed to different female deities, including the goddess of justice, Astraea. Astraea was placed among the stars by Zeus along with her scales of justice (the constellation Libra). Virgo, the only female figure among the zodiac’s constellations, represents careful planning, curiosity, subtlety, and an analytical mind.

Your element:

The four elements in astrology are air, earth, fire, and water. Your element is earth. Your feet are planted firmly on the ground, and you’re practical, dependable, and unpretentious. You do what’s needed to keep your reputation untarnished. You’re goal-oriented—and that goal generally involves financial security.

Your quality:

Three qualities are found in the zodiac: cardinal, fixed, and mutable. You’re a mutable sign. That means adaptability is your middle name. You’re flexible and willing to change your approach when necessary.

Your ruling planet and what it means:

Mercury, your ruling planet, is named for the messenger of the gods. Mercury is associated with communication, the thought process, observation, curiosity, and flexibility.

Personality traits identified with Virgo:

Virgo is associated with personal integrity, the work ethic, order, and precision. You’re analytical and precise. You set impossible standards for yourself and expect—or at least hope—that everyone else will meet them. Here are some of the words that describe you. (They’re not broken down by positive traits and negative traits because some can fall in either category.)

Analytical (and self-analytical too)

Cautious (you lack spontaneity)

Conservative

Critical/hypercritical

Curious

Cynical

Design-oriented (your decor and wardrobe are always tasteful)

Detail-oriented (but you neglect some of the larger issues)

Discriminating

Dissatisfied (your standards are so high that you easily get turned off)

Education-oriented (you enjoy teaching, formally and informally)

Encouraging (you have a knack for bringing out the best in others)

Finicky

Growth-oriented (you seek to improve yourself)

Methodical

Meticulous (even your car is spiffy)

Observant (you don’t miss anything that’s said … or not said)

Orderly (your motto: everything in its place)

Organized (you’re a natural planner and will check the weather report a week ahead of time)

Pedantic (you’re a born teacher, but when you feel uneasy or unsure, you become preachy)

Perfection-oriented (you are, in fact, an ultra-perfectionist)

Pet-friendly (you’re concerned with the well-being of all creatures)

Practical

Precise

Refined

Reliable (you take direction well—even when you’re not happy with the instructions)

Reserved

Self-conscious

Service-oriented (you’re often a community leader)

Soft-spoken

Subtle

Tasteful

Thrifty

Unrealistic (sometimes nothing is good enough for your standards)

Witty

Worrying (you can turn a molehill into the Rockies)

Relationships and compatibilities:

You’re the most compatible with: Pisces, Virgo, Scorpio, and Capricorn.

You’re the least compatible with: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, and Cancer.

See also the Virgo Compatibility Guide on page 150.

Associations with your sign:

Numbers: 4, 5, 8

Colours: Blue, green, ochre

Flowers: Lily, gladiolus

Gemstones: Agate, carnelian

Day of the week: Wednesday

Health and well-being for your sign:

You could be susceptible in the area of the body that relates to your sign. Virgo rules the digestive system, the stomach, and the intestines, so be especially attentive to those areas. You’re generally health-conscious and cautious, and you strive to keep fit. Being a perfectionist, you’re inclined to be germ-phobic. You’re a worrier and, when upset or feeling exploited, can be vulnerable to various stress-related ailments.

Careers suited to your sign:

Virgo is service-minded and detail-oriented. Not surprisingly, you excel in careers that include teaching and accounting, and involve organization, analysis, and research. You prefer to work within a company rather than being head honcho, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t aim high. (Remember that missionary Mother Teresa was a Virgo; so is journalist and former governor general Michaëlle Jean.) Unfortunately, you’re inclined not to give yourself enough credit for all that you do. Rather than complain to family about being overworked and underappreciated, you need to speak up and make a point of being noticed by those in high places.

Ruled by Mercury, the planet of intellect, you have a natural curiosity and collect all sorts of interesting facts that can prove highly valuable. With your logical mind and eye for detail, you make an excellent scientist, health-care worker, or journalist. You also work well with your hands and excel at jobs that require dexterity. See also Who Was Born in Your Sign and on Your Birthday? (page 82).

LIBRA

September 24–October 23

The Scales

Seventh sign in the zodiac Strengths to play up: diplomacy, adaptability, intellect Weaknesses to watch out for: indecisiveness, self-absorption, fickleness

Behind the name and the symbol of your sign:

The symbol for Libra is the scales. In mythology, Libra depicts the scales held by the goddess of justice. Libra is the only zodiac symbol that’s neither a human being nor an animal. Libra is from a Latin word meaning balance or poise—and those are the qualities identified with people born under the sign of the scale: they strive for harmony, and they balance every pro against every con.

Your element:

The four elements in astrology are air, earth, fire, and water. Your element is air. You circulate easily, exchanging ideas and mingling with people of all ages and backgrounds. You’re all about mental stimulation, not emotional involvement. You form relationships but enjoy simultaneous light-hearted friendships. Intensity is not in your vocabulary.

Your quality:

Three qualities are found in the zodiac: cardinal, fixed, and mutable. You’re a cardinal sign. That means you have initiative and take immediate action when required, according to your preferred style.

Your ruling planet and what it means:

Venus, the goddess of love, art, and beauty, gives her name to your ruling planet. Venus is associated with peacefulness and harmony, money and luxuries, shared pleasure, and tranquility.

Personality traits identified with Libra:

Libra starts the second half of the year. Your opposite sign is Aries—the I sign. You’re the first of the we signs—you develop your strengths by relating to others, and you need others in your life. Balance is your keyword. You strive for harmony and are the unofficial diplomat of the zodiac. Here are some of the words that describe you. (They’re not broken down by positive traits and negative traits because some can fall in either category.)

Adaptable

Affectionate

Ambitious

Appearance-conscious

Approval-seeking

Artistic (you enjoy all the arts, seek out beauty, and decorate tastefully)

Balanced (you’re not obsessive about things)

Calm

Changeable

Charitable (you volunteer your time for good causes)

Compromising (you’ll give more than 50 percent to achieve an agreement)

Conscientious

Considerate

Cooperative (you deal in compromise)

Courteous (manners are important)

Cultured

Devoted (especially to family and the elderly)

Diplomatic

Discreet

Distracted (you like to daydream)

Easygoing

Elegant

Fair-minded, with a sense of justice

Flirtatious (you use charm to your advantage)

Frivolous

Genteel (you shy away from anything offensive)

Graceful and gracious

Gregarious (you need to circulate and are happiest when you socialize)

Idealistic

Image-conscious (you crave admiration)

Indecisive

Intellectual

Intuitive

Lazy (particularly in your eating habits)

Mature (you dislike pettiness)

Objective and non-judgmental (you understand several viewpoints, often including those you don’t agree with)

Partnership-oriented (you have an urge to merge) Peaceable (you will arbitrate, mediate, and strategize to keep the peace)

Poised

Refined

Responsible (you have a sense of duty to family)

Romantic

Self-absorbed

Self-indulgent

Slow to anger (but given to sudden, short-lived outbursts)

Tactful

Tender

Tense (your struggle to settle disputes can lead to stress)

Tranquil

Urbane and sophisticated

Versatile (you can’t handle monotony)

Witty (you have a way with words—verbally and in writing)

Relationships and compatibilities:

You’re the most compatible with: Leo, Aquarius, Gemini, and Sagittarius.

You’re the least compatible with: Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn.

See also the Libra Compatibility Guide on page 161.

Associations with your sign:

Numbers: 6, 8, 9

Colours: Primary colours (red, blue, yellow), violet

Flowers: Violet, daisy, gardenia

Gemstones: Opal, sapphire

Day of the week: Friday

Health and well-being for your sign:

You could be susceptible in the area of the body that relates to your sign. Libra rules the kidneys, the skin, and the buttocks, so be particularly attentive to those areas. Protect your skin not just in the summer but also against the effects of a typical Canadian winter. Everything you do needs to be balanced, and that involves more than diet. Be cautious not to be knocked off balance—physically as well as emotionally.

Careers suited to your sign:

Because of your need for harmony and balance, and the importance of the arts in your life, career choices may range from diplomat to administrator in one of the artistic professions. You could find yourself working behind the scenes for a dance troupe or music ensemble. Partnership arrangements in particular appeal to you. (You generally prefer working with other people than on your own.)

Your tact and composure would be assets in any job in which you deal with the public, and you would do well as a politician, teacher, lawyer, or judge. Many Libras have achieved renown in the arts, among them artist A. Y. Jackson, pianist Glenn Gould, and actor/singer Julie Andrews. Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau, another prominent Libra, is remembered for his diplomatic and political achievements. See also Who Was Born in Your Sign and on Your Birthday? (page 82).

SCORPIO

October 24–November 22

The Scorpion

Eighth sign in the zodiac Strengths to play up: intuition, resourcefulness, determination Weaknesses to watch out for: jealousy, extremism, sarcasm

Behind the name and the symbol of your sign:

In Greek mythology, Scorpius, the scorpion, killed Orion, the giant huntsman. (The two constellations were then set at opposite ends of the night sky to avoid further trouble.) Unlike the scorpion’s sting, Scorpio’s isn’t lethal. But it